Month: December 2019

Here stands a nine-meter-long machine from 1915 in the T-34 tank museum on Dmitrovskoye Shosse. It’s unclear why this contraption, which failed its very first ‘field’ tests, is a source of pride: due to incorrect weight distribution calculations and insufficient engine power, the tank’s rear wheels got stuck in sandy soil. It was also shown that the vehicle could be disabled by shrapnel hitting the spokes. The Tsar Tank was dismantled soon after the failed tests.

The funds for the construction were raised by the state. Kind of like a startup. They sold the prototype to Nicholas II and got enough money for a full-size version. Two years later, the designer, who turned out to be incapable of anything else, moved to America, and his subsequent fate remains unknown.

Interestingly, the construction of a useless project with government money and the subsequent escape to the states left the hero’s name in history, while a replica of the failed Tsar Tank became a pride of the tank museum.

Happy New Year! I wonder, does every single light structure in the world, intended to be a backdrop for photos, lack lighting for the person next to them? And does no one consider how people will take pictures against the backdrop of various beauties, be it an ancient fortress or city’s night decorations? It’s so simple to set up, yet it’s absent everywhere.

Moscow, dude decided to cross Tverskaya at an improper place just now

Looks a bit creepy

Kolomna

Imagine, in our county (Fairfax), schools have made the decision to OFFICIALLY grant a day off (excused absence) to students if they provide proof of participation in civic engagement activities, such as ‘marches, sit-ins or trips to Richmond to lobby legislators’.

Getting a day off is generally tough – you need to be seriously ill, involved in a court case, among about a dozen other reasons of the same ilk

Software and music for it (digging through archives of the last century)

#longing

The Miss America contest has been held under new rules for the second year. Now, instead of demonstrating their ability to walk in swimsuits and evening gowns, participants must compete by showcasing other talents. Miss Virginia, Camille Schrier, has a background in biochemistry. Camille won Miss America 2020 with a spectacular science demonstration from a children’s science program, illustrating the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Fizz, boom! The jury was moved, no doubt about it.

Moscow metro and the jellyfish

(no longer relevant, fixed) Friends, I am currently in Moscow, if anyone has a multimeter, soldering iron & stuff, alcohol, and ideally an oscilloscope at home or in the office, and can let me use it for a bit, please let me know 😉